California's Disneyland to Open More Shops and Dining Options As Park Remains Closed

Disneyland in California will expand its shopping and dining options next month even as the park itself remains closed.

Disneyland is building on its Downtown Disney District in November, extending the retail experiences to Buena Vista Street in its California Adventure Park, the company announced on Friday.

Mickey Mouse fans will be able to once again feast on caramel apples at Trolley Treats, shop for holiday gifts at the art deco-inspired Elias & Co., or deck out their homes with Disney-themed kitchen gadgets, hand towels, aprons, and more from Julius Katz & Sons. The park itself, however, will remain closed.

This expansion follows the phased reopening of the Downtown Disney District as well as the opening of the Disneyland Resort Backlot Premiere Shop at Stage 17, tempting shoppers with limited seasonal collections (think: Halloween-themed mouse ears and fun accessories).

Those who do choose to shop or eat at Disneyland will be subject to enhanced safety protocols, according to Disney, including temperature checks, mandatory masks for everyone aged 2 and older, reduced hours at some locations, and the suspension of high-touch, interactive areas.

In addition, while the Orlando theme park will allow all guests to wear costumes for Halloween, the Downtown Disney District is not permitting anyone 14 years or older to wear a costume or costume mask.

Disneyland is the only Disney theme park in the world that remains closed and the plans to increase retail come less than two weeks after California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a team to out-of-state theme parks to explore the possibility of reopening.

In May, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida reopened its retail location, Disney Springs, strictly enforcing mask protocols and physical distancing with a pair of (hilarious) Star Wars Stormtroopers. And in July, Disney reopened the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she’s not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.